Snow and Ice

From Tim Farron MP:

"I've received hundreds of e-mails, phone calls and letters about the recent icy conditions in recent weeks - particularly from older people, some of whom have been trapped in their homes since before Christmas.

Like many of you, I am furious that the Conservative-led County Council failed to clear pavements and residential roads when they had the chance - and also that they did not provide sufficient grit for residents to use themselves.

Much of the current problems are being caused by the compacted ice left behind from the first snow-fall before Christmas. I will be asking for a full investigation into why gritting was not carried out in all areas earlier - and am determined to hold county council bosses to account for their failures.

On the positive side, even though gritting is the county council's responsibility, South Lakeland District Council offered up their staff to help with the clear up. In recent days in Kendal and Windermere, SLDC staff have been out clearing ice and snow. It’s at times like these when it’s really important that people pull together. Many people I've spoken to are still snowed in and have not seen gritters so I am working hard to make sure gritters go to those places. People in South Lakeland deserve so much better.
I spent time last week with a team of volunteers on Maude Street in Kendal, clearing a path through the ice and snow for elderly residents at Nobles Rest so that they could safely access the town centre. As with the recent floods, we have come together as a community and helped one another.

We desperately need the county council to pull their weight and give local council tax payers the service they pay for. I am calling for a full investigation into what happened to make sure it never happens again.

Finally, I just want to wish you, your family and friends a great 2010. And as always if I can help in any way please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Best wishes
Tim

Tim Farron MP
Acland House
Yard 2
Stricklandgate
Kendal
LA9 4ND

Tel: 01539 723403
Fax: 01539 740800"

From James Airey, County Councillor

"Hi Geoff

I know you mean well, I am sorry I am giving vague answers but that's what I am receiving from Officers. I am pushing them like mad for action and will continue to do so as soon as I have definite information I will forward it to you. The Town Council can request its own supply of grit as long as it can get it tipped and stored somewhere handy that would enable residents to
pick up their own supplies for community use.

Many Parish Councils have already done this.

I am interested in all issues in Ulverston or I would not have stood for Election.

Regards James."

Some of Tim's statements are rather hollow - blaming the Tories - when all parties are responsible for the workings of our Highways Department.

"Calling for a full investigation". He keeps doing this. Anyone can call for an investigation but do they get one. I've yet to see the results of the last investigation Tim called for - over gritting a year ago!

From James it seems that the officers don't surrender information readily. Isn't this that needs to change?

Town Council with it's own reserves of grit. Sounds great and would be impressive if they actually did it - but will they?

Danger - ice over water - the canal.

It seems to me that this is a situation to watch out for.

Youngsters unfamiliar with ice and snow may take dangerous risks and venture onto ice that up till now was holding them.

A lot of kids in New Zealand lost their lives because adults failed to express concerns to them that they were taking extremely high risks (not ice).

Kids together, can wind each other up, with dares.

It's our role as adults to point out when risks are not worth taking!

Grit update

The following message from James Airey was overly optimistic:

Hi Geoff

I have been told that the grit boxes should be filled very soon, I know this
is no consolation but stocks are again low and it is a question of manpower
getting the stuff out every where. Ulverston though does seem to have come
off rather better than say Kendal. So hopefully our constant jumping up and
down is working.

Regards James.

I think it's up to us all to help ourselves and others around us. I guess the role for James is now to identify the needs and help organise us all to help each other.

A.R. has given excellent advice in her last comment just below of how to use an alternative to the unavailable salt that won't work on thick compacted ice or snow anyway .

As A.R. didn't reveal the source of his (she apparently is a he) Ballast used on his drive, I've been down to Travis Perkins and bought Grano which is slightly over £3 per bag and will be switching to this up our lane.

Do we know of any roads that need to be closed because of the potential for serious accident?

I'm sure the "jumping up and down" it is true. But this is the electorate doing things. What is our County Councillor able to achieve?

What does "very soon" mean? Still no grit and its Wednesday and the pavements are treacherous. I'm coming to the bottom of my carefully used single bag . . . . but at least we have a foot wide path up a difficult sloped lane that is clear.

Something I also strongly believe in is, thanking the workers for the work they do get done. I think that the standard of gritting of the town pavements has been excellent. I understand that once you get there the standard is good.

So hopefully we can send a thank you.

Do you agree?

Ulverston Rock Salt Grit Boxes

"James Airey and Peter Hornby,

In view of the cold spell forecast for this next week, the above subject has come up again, on my blog.

It would make a really good impression on everyone if at least the boxes all over town are again replenished this next Monday!

It was good to see the NHS Health Centre Car Park being gritted all over today!

Geoff Dellow"

Email just sent out to our county councillors.

Reply received straight back from James Airey:

"Hi Geoff

I think your right, I will make some calls and hopefully get them filled up.

Happy New Year.

Regards James Airey
Campaign Manager
Westmorland & Lonsdale Conservative Association
Office: 01539721010
Mobile: 07734265963"

Let's see what that produces!